redo an ugly brick fireplace

[callmelh]

Hi everyone. This is my first post so...I am trying to redo my brick fireplace as the bricjk is super red and the mortar is jet black. I was thinking I could just remortar with a lighter shade or tile over the brick. Can anyone give me some instruction with this redo? Thanks so much!

Lauren

[kactuskid]

If you want to regrout the bricks then you will first need to remove the existing mortar. This can possibly be done using a grout saw, you need to remove at least 1/4" deep in order for the new grout to have the side surface to adhere to. Here's a link that'll show you how to remove grout, though if it's mortar it may take a bit more muscle to get it out.
http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/articles/199711/main/

If you want to tile the brick instead, then here's a link that'll show you all the details of how to:

http://ronhazelton.com/html/407a.html